'Waiting 15 years for this call': Pilot helps rescue Saskatchewan man stuck by pond

An RCMP epaulette is seen in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

FOX VALLEY — Mounties in Saskatchewan are thanking a pilot after he helped save a driver caught in an icy slough last month.

RCMP say officers were racing against time and plunging temperatures while trying to find the man near Fox Valley in southwestern Saskatchewan, near the Alberta boundary.

They say the call dropped after the man told police his vehicle was partly submerged in water and snow.

Police had used a drone and dogs to try to find him, but time was of the essence, so a local sergeant called a pilot he knew he could rely on.

The pilot immediately agreed to help, telling the officer he’s been waiting 15 years to be of service.

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Mounties say the pilot found the man, relaying his location to officers until they could get to him.

Police say the man was brought back to the station to warm up with tea and food, and he had no reported injuries.

Sgt. Don Kyllo, the detachment commander in Leader, Sask., said in a news release Monday the pilot had told him he would offer his plane if ever needed.

“Did you mean what you said?” Kyllo recalled asking during the rescue.

The pilot replied, “I’ve been waiting 15 years for this call.”

The pilot, who Mounties have not identified, said in the news release it’s important to develop relationships with police.

“Co-operation and teamwork are essential in keeping our community safe and we’re fortunate to have some truly outstanding RCMP officers serving in Leader,” he said.

Kyllo also touted the benefits of strong relationships between police and community members.

“That partnership helped save a life,” the sergeant said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 13, 2026.